CycleClips 17 May 2013

Jon Snow says 'Get Britain Cycling' in new video; Justice for Audrey - add your voice; Enjoy an Indian summer; The economic cycle; Pinch point; Not such a star, Eurostar; The Brummell Bummel; The only way is Essex

London cabbies may be used to being asked to '‘follow that cab’' - but for one taxi driver this week, the instruction was a little more unusual: “follow that man on the orange bike!”, the man in question being none other than CTC President Jon Snow. He had kindly agreed to make a short video for CTC to publicise the e-petition calling for a debate in Parliament on the findings of the ‘Get Britain Cycling’ report. CTC's Laura Raymond said: "It was a first - spending a morning on one of London's busiest traffic island whilst cameraman Steve Feeney filmed from inside a cab one of the UK's most recognisable faces cycling through heavy traffic". So far, nearly 60,000 people of the 100,000 needed have signed the e-petition. Jon’s video explains why it is important so why not send the film to all your cycling friends?

More top stories

Justice for Audrey - add your voice

So far, nearly 4,000 people have written in protest to the Lord Advocate in Scotland, using CTC’s draft letter, to protest about the unduly lenient sentence given to the killer of member Audrey Fyfe. On Tuesday, CTC Chief Executive Gordon Seabright joined members of Audrey’s family - and fellow victim George Dalgity’s - to deliver a letter appealing the sentence at the Crown Office in Edinburgh. There is still time to add your voice: the deadline is 31 May 2013. Audrey Fyfe’s widower Ian will be joining Gordon at this Sunday’s Pedal on Parliament in Edinburgh – last year over 3,000 riders joined in the mass lobby of politicians.

Enjoying an Indian summer

Had enough of the British ‘summer’? Fancy working somewhere hot and sunny? CTC Senior Education Officer Dan Cook has been developing CTC’s Bike Tour Leader course in India. In partnership with tour operators Exodus, the course aims to give prospective tour leaders a professional qualification. Find out how Dan got on in his fascinating blog.

The economic cycle

How valuable is cycling to national and local economies? Why do we need to invest in it? What can businesses, developers and the Treasury do to promote it? CTC’s new briefing, ‘Cycling and the Economy’, is full of facts and arguments that you can use to persuade people that cycling makes sound economic sense.

Pinch point

Cyclists in Cambridge probably don’t need persuading of the economic sense of using their bikes – it is already one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the country. However, that doesn’t mean that there is never conflict between cyclists and drivers there. Bradley Stearn, an 18-year-old student, has made ‘Pinch-point’, an intelligent short film that explores how both can live together.

You're not such a star, Eurostar

If you travel with your bike to the Continent, you may have been used to using the convenient Eurostar service that allowed packaged bikes to travel with you. Last week, however, Eurostar announced a revised policy that means that in future, only folding bikes will be allowed as carry-on luggage. CTC’s public transport Dave Holladay explains all in the Guardian Bike blog.

The Brummell Bummel

CTC member and leading cycle campaigner Mark Brummell was tragically killed while riding in the New Forest last year. In memory of Mark, and to raise funds for CTC’s Road Justice campaign and the Cyclists’ Defence Fund, Southampton Cycling Campaign have organised the annual Brummell Bummel. It takes place next Sunday 26 May in the New Forest on one of Mark’s favourite routes.

The only way is Essex

CTC Cycling Development Officer in Essex Richard Monk was a guest this week on BBC Radio Essex promoting the Colchester Tour Series BIG cycle ride on Thursday 30 May 2013. Richard explained how the ride will allow 250 people to experience what it’s like to ride the race circuit, crossing the finish line in front of the crowds – and how some of them will even get the chance to meet the race participants!

Welsh Festival of Cycling

Booking is now open for this year’s CTC Cymru Welsh Festival of Cycling, which takes place from 25 to 30 July at Ruthin Rugby Club. There will be a range of four rides per day, from short family rides to more demanding 70 mile rides into the surrounding hills, all on largely lanes with little traffic. This year, riders can enter for a single day ride if they wish.

Julie Rand has edited CycleClips since 2011 and has been working at CTC in various guises since 2001.